Soaked in nature's beauty, Sarahan is flanked on the banks
of the meandering Sutlej River.
Located amidst Deodar forests, Sarahan was the ancient capital of the
mighty Bushahr. It's a belief that Sarahan is the Shonitpur of old times,
and this was the place, where Banasura once ruled.
The place provides some good opportunities for trekking and some
spectacular view of the Ranwin Village and the Bashal peak. Far below in
the valley and miles out of its source in Mansarovar, tumbles the river
Sutlej. Around Sarahan itself there are fields and orchards, small
villages and unusual architecture, thick forests and fast-flowing streams.
TEMPLES
Bhimakali Temple:
The Bhimakali temple is built in Indo-Tibetan architectural style, it is
one of the finest examples of Himachali architecture and is dedicated to
Lord Narsingha and Lord Raghunath. This temple is the main attraction of
the region and is decorated silver. Apart from the main deities, this
temple has images of various Hindu and Buddhist Gods. It is also one of
the last few surviving temples made entirely of timber. more...
Lanka Vir Temple: Situated next door to the Bhimakali temple, this
was where human sacrifices were made long ago to please Goddess Bhimakali.
The bodies were apparently thrown into the well nearby.
OTHERS
Shrikhand Manadev Peak: Once in Sarahan, one beholds a range of
the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and one of them is the Shrikhand Peak. The
rather peculiar thing about this peak is that it is only one, whose tip
remains uncovered with snow. In the evening, sunrays adorn the peaks and
the sight is simply stupendous.
Gaura: About 37-km from Sarahan lies the picturesque village of Gaura known for its apple orchards. Rampur: A busy commercial town, Rampur has plenty of Hindu and Buddhist temples, including the Raghunath, Ayodhya, Narasingh and Dumgir Buddha temples. There's also the Padam Palace built in a charming mix of Indian and colonial styles. It is also having the Nathpa-Jhakri hydel power project, which is going to be the largest in Asia.
Trekking: Sarahan is the base for some of Himachal's finest treks and is also the doorway to Kinnaur's untrammeled beauty. The more popular ones are those going to Badahal, Sangla and Shrikhand Peak. The treks are however open only between April and June and September-October. more...
Air: The airport nearest to Sarahan is Jubbarhatti
in Shimla . From
Shimla , Sarahan
is at a distance of 175-km. One has to then take a bus or a private taxi
to go to Sarahan.
Rail: Another alternative is to take a train to Shimla and then
take a private taxi or a bus run by the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport
Corporation to Sarahan.
Road: There is no airport or railway station at Sarahan; so, the
only access is by road.
Places to stay in Sarahan include HTPDC's Hotel Srikhand, Temple Rest House and Snowview.
The temperature ranges from 10-25°C in April to June. The days are very pleasant and light woolens are sufficient but early mornings and late nights get a little chilly, so one heavy pullover is required. The season from September to November is colder and requires heavy woolens.
Gaura: 37-km
Shimla : 175-km